First Hatchling

Wilson's Wood-nymph Moth

At about 2mm, this guy hit the turf running, moving rapidly in inchworm fashion, looking for the best and tenderest "chomping" grounds. This one explored and then rejected the cut end of a petiole of Cissus trifoliata (Sorrelvine, Grape Ivy, Possum Grape), before moving on to softer tissue.

The white object riding on its bristles appears to be a wing scale of its mother. Three days to hatching is pretty swift, as incubation times go for moths.

Life cycle photos HERE.